ORANGE — The graduating class, wearing blue and red, at Ralph C. Mahar Regional School took their seats outdoors under clear skies, after a ceremonious entrance. Friends, family, faculty and graduates were welcomed by the school’s Principal Ishmael Tabales before rising as the Star Spangled Banner played, beginning the night’s commencement exercises.

First to address the crowd was Superintendent of Schools Tari N. Thomas.

“High school life is now behind you,” Thomas told the graduating class.

She talked of the importance of education and how it cannot be underestimated. Relaying words like commitment and joy to describe the experience, Thomas said they have all proven their ability to overcome challenges the past few years and are all heroes to her for doing so.

Class Vice President Emilee Melanson said a few words to her fellow classmates before the school band performed the Black Forest Overture. Then it was time for Keynote Speaker Matthew Parsons. Parsons, the high school social science coordinator, was chosen by the graduating class to speak. Tabales alluded to the reason for their choice by saying one of Parsons’ most memorable moments at the school was kissing a pig during the Senator Games.

Parsons told his former students he was slowly losing faith in humanity and that he was looking for them to restore it. He encouraged them to lead by example and help bring the collective world back in balance by having character. Hitting upon five points to focus on — individuality, humility, respect, empathy and gratitude — Parsons took a wireless microphone out among the graduates and asked for volunteers to say who they’d like to thank. Jeremiah Capuzzo, one of the top 10 graduates and recipient of one of the night’s Key Club Trophies, thanked his mother and teacher Mr. Dowler, who Capuzzo kiddingly remarked was cooler than Parsons.

Banners to be hung on the light posts lining Mahar’s drive were given as a Class Gift and presented to Superintendent Thomas just before Tabales gave his insight to graduates and diplomas were handed out. School Committee Chairman Peter Cross also shared his words of encouragement. Closing out the graduation was a farewell by class president Lindsay Paluk.

President’s Education Award to the following students from the White House for their Achievement of High Academic Goals, Hard Work and Dedication to Learning to Carrie Crosby and Kennie Nutter-Truehart.

Student Council Commitment, Participation and Dedication to Student Government as Members of Student Council to Aleah Fisher-Student Council President and School Committee Representative, Brittany Porter - Student Council Vice President and RSAC Delegate, Emilee Melanson - Student Council Treasurer and RSAC Delegate, Alexa Robichaud - RSAC Delegate, Amanda Badgley - Student Council Representative and Project/Committee Involvement, Taylor Badgley - Student Council Representative and Project/Committee Involvement, Darnell Jones - Student Council Representative and Project/Committee Involvement.

Key Club Awards to Seniors who were judged by the Faculty to be Outstanding in the Areas of Citizenship, Sportsmanship and Athletics: Outstanding Citizenship to Carrie Crosby and Darnell Jones. Outstanding Sportsmanship to Natashia Patria and Patrick Richard. Outstanding Athletes to Caitriona Cronin and Troix Adams. For Contributions to the Key Club: Joseph Capuzzo- Membership for 3 years and trophy for Outstanding Achievement with 211 hours of service this year. Carrie Crosby- Membership for 4 year, recognition as President, trophy for Outstanding Achievement with 215 hours and 45 minutes of service this year and plaque for Outstanding Lieutenant Governor. Elizabeth Currie- Membership for 4 years, recognition as Vice-President, trophy for Outstanding Achievement with 185 hours and 50 minutes of service this year. Taylor Doyle- Membership for 1 year and trophy for Outstanding Achievement with 131 hours of service this year. Rimshah Khan- Membership for 3 years, recognition as Secretary and trophy for Outstanding Achievement with 125 hours of service this year. Emilee Melanson- Membership for 4 years. Jordan Milone- Membership for 2 years and trophy for Outstanding Achievement with 120 hours of service this year. Kennie Nutter-Truehart- Membership for 2 years. The Mahar Key Club Timothy Donelan Memorial Scholarship to Rimshah Khan and Taylor Doyle.